P. J. Lambert—Waders



197



107. GREY CARDINAL, and hybrids with hens of the a. pope,

b. green cardinal, c. Red Cardinal.


108. YELLOW-BILLED CARDINAL.


black-cheeked cardinal, Paroaria nigrigenys. France.

BLACK-THROATED CARDINAL, P. gularis. U.K., 1937.


109. POPE, and a ? hybrid (Pope X Grey Cardinal ?).


110. GREEN CARDINAL.



WADERS


By P. J. Lambert


One is invariably intrigued with the arrival of one’s weekly bird

paper and still more the monthly Magazine issued by the Avicultural

Society. They are papers that are eagerly devoured by all bird

lovers for one imbibes knowledge by the perusal thereof. In

the weekly papers such as Cage Birds one reads of the treatment

necessary for such birds as Budgerigars, Canaries, and some of

the foreign Finches; the charm of these birds is ably set

forth by various writers. Pheasants are extolled in the weekly

papers and also our Avicultural Magazine. In the latter one reads of

the very rare exotic birds from all parts of the world and such articles

make charming reading. Waterfowl are occasionally mentioned in

these papers but there is one group of birds that rarely receive mention,

I refer to that group of birds called Waders. May I be allowed to extol

their virtues and tell you of their charm ? Possibly very few of our

members have kept these birds ; let me assure those readers that they

have missed an avicultural pursuit which teems with interest, for

Waders have an indefinable charm which will captivate any lover of

nature. The term “ Wader ” covers a large group of birds and although

the word has a most pleasing suggestion, it is not altogether appropriate;

but for our purpose we can pass over the name by calling to mind the

expression : “ What’s in a name ? ” Why such birds as Lapwings are

included in this group I fail to understand. I have never seen a Lapwing

wade. I must admit that my experience has been very limited with



